Cliffrose

Mexican Cliffrose (Purshia mexicana, formerly known as Cowania mexicana) is native to the Four Corners, southern California, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua.  It is an evergreen shrub 3 to 20 feet tall that is adapted to dry, shallow soils between 4,000 and 8,000 feet elevation.  Cliffrose is closely related to, and frequently forms hybrids with, Antelope Bitterbrush.   It is an important browse for mule deer.

As its name indicates, Cliffrose is a member of the rose family and has fragrant, showy, light yellow blossoms.  It is a good ornamental plant for a low-maintenance landscape.  It can also be a valuable addition to a mix for improving wildlife habitat or reclaiming rocky, south slopes and other difficult sites. Cliffrose should be seeded in late fall or winter because the seeds require chilling to break dormancy.  Drill seeding is recommended; broadcast seeding is usually not successful unless the seed can be covered.